UNESCO UK launches trails guide in partnership with Great Western Railway to inspire sustainable exploration across the South West
A new campaign and digital platform, Explore UNESCO South West Trails, has launched, offering visitors an inspiring and sustainable way to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of South West England.
Launched in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), Explore UNESCO South West Trails offers a curated collection of two-day trails inspiring opportunities to discover eight UNESCO-designated sites across the region. From dramatic coastlines and historic cities to globally significant landscapes, the platform invites users to explore the South West through immersive journeys that celebrate heritage, creativity, and sustainability.
Explore UNESCO South West Trails provide a unified gateway for discovering World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark, cities of culture and other internationally recognised locations that highlight the area’s global importance.
To mark the launch, promotional posters will be displayed at key GWR railway stations, encouraging passengers to ’start their journey by rail’.
The campaign highlights how rail travel can unlock easy access to multiple trail starting points, supporting low-carbon travel while celebrating the rich diversity of heritage across the South West. Through interactive content, route ideas, and practical information, users can plan journeys that not only enrich their own experience but also support local communities and reduce their environmental footprint.
Key features of the trails include:
Clear and easy to follow routes around eight UNESCO UK sites in the South West
Inspirational itineraries to showcase the best of each site over 48 hours
Information on sustainable travel options and local experiences
The launch comes at a time when travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful, place-based experiences. By connecting heritage, nature, and culture through themed trails, “Explore UNESCO South West Trails” aims to position the region as a leading destination for sustainable and experiential tourism.
Exeter City of Literature’s Executive Director Anna Cohn Orchard says, "It's a pleasure to collaborate with our UNESCO UK partners in the South West and with GWR to invite visitors into Exeter and Devon's story-filled landscape. This trail offers visitors a special way to experience our literary landscape and storytelling heritage, and to see why this region has inspired so many for so long."
GWR Regional Partnerships Manager, Ruth Powell says, “We’re proud to support this initiative, helping customers connect with some of the South West’s most internationally-celebrated landscapes and cultural sites by train. Rail is one of the most sustainable ways to travel, and this campaign showcases just how accessible these world-class destinations can be.”
Nushin Hussain, Project Implementation Manager, Local to Global Programme, at the UK National Commission for UNESCO, says “This project is a fantastic example of how partnership working can bring together some of the region’s most significant heritage sites, alongside partners such as Great Western Railway, to make them more accessible and inspiring for both local communities and visitors.”
Partners in the campaign are grateful to have received funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund through UNESCO’s UK National Commission ‘Local to Global 2.0’ which has made the initiative possible.
Explore UNESCO South West Trails is now live and accessible to visitors worldwide.
For more information about the UNESCO South West trails visit https://www.gwr.com/stations-and-destinations/travel-inspiration/unesco
